Scoliosis
Have you been diagnosed with scoliosis? Typically, scoliosis begins as a minor bend in the spine that gradually progresses over a lifetime. A diagnosis of scoliosis is made when the spine curves more than ten degrees to the right or left. In extreme cases of scoliosis there can be severe health consequences.
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The good news is that if the bending of the spine is discovered early on and Chiropractic care is received, it can usually be prevented from advancing to a debilitating state. This article will give you a brief glimpse into how scoliosis develops and the impact that it has on one's health. It will also show how scoliosis can be identified and how chiropractic care can work to reverse its effects.
SCOLIOSIS TREATMENT
Scoliosis is a bend or curve in the spine, where a healthy spine would be completely vertical. The exact origin of the curve is often hard to trace. In the beginning it may be just a small bend caused by a simple misalignment of single vertebrae. Over time the body will begin to compensate, building musculature that will continue to pull the spine into lateral curves in order to ensure that the head remains level.
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This misalignment can occur because of postural issues, degenerative diseases and traumatic accidents. While many cases of scoliosis begin while the body is going through rapid spurts of development, particularly in youth aged 10-12, the condition can also develop in older adults as well. In older people, scoliosis is often caused by degenerative disorders such as osteoporosis.
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WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF SCOLIOSIS?
If scoliosis and its cause go unchecked it can lead to long term consequences. Scoliosis is associated with back, neck, shoulder and buttocks pain. It can lead to re-occurring issues and has been linked to sciatica. In severe cases it can cause diminished lung and heart capacity, painful menstruation and physical disability.
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HOW IS SCOLIOSIS IDENTIFIED?
Parents, or someone close to the person with scoliosis, are often the first to notice, as the shoulders and pelvis no longer appear level. A physical examination will use visual and manual examinations to assess the curvature of the spine. An Adams Position Test, which requires the patient to bend forward as far as possible, can indicate whether an issue is present or not. If a noticeable curvature is discovered an x-ray will be used to determine the extent of the scoliosis.
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CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR SCOLIOSIS AT PURE FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC
Chiropractors are professionally trained to diagnose a patient with scoliosis. A full health history will be performed to identify any factors that could be contributing to the presence of scoliosis. The assessment will aid in determining the appropriate treatment protocol for the particular case.
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Thomson Chiropractic Center offers a gentle and conservative way to prevent, slow, and likely stop the continuation of scoliosis. Specific spinal adjustments are common in order to reverse the body's compensations and assist in the restoration process. I you are looking for a safe, non-invasive approach to manage scoliosis chiropractic care has your back.